Marugame Uchiwa Museum (The Uchiwa no Minato Museum), dedicated to the history of the Marugame uchiwa, a fan designated as a national traditional craft, has reopened after renovation on March 25, 2023, within the Nakatsu-Banshoen Garden. Visitors can now closely observe the fan-making demonstrations by traditional craftsmen and even participate in fan-making workshops by reservation.
Guided by the artisans, participants apply glue to bamboo, which serves as the fan's framework, and attach their chosen Japanese paper to it, creating their own unique uchiwa fan to take home. The museum also features exhibitions on the history of Marugame uchiwa and displays fans from across Japan, offering a comprehensive experience of the charm of uchiwa fans.
The museum is earning a high international reputation, with groups from Poland visiting regularly.
The History of Marugame Uchiwa
The Marugame uchiwa has a rich history spanning over 400 years, with its techniques established in the early Edo period. Around 1633, these fans became popular souvenirs for pilgrims visiting the Konpira Shrine, distinguished by their vermillion color and round gold seal designs. In the Meiji era, the fans gained international acclaim and began to be exported. Today, Marugame produces 90% of Japan's uchiwa fans. Historically cherished as a tool for cooling during the summer, the fans have recently gained attention for their design quality, increasingly used as interior decorations due to their aesthetic appeal.
Reference(the photos above): https://www.love-marugame.jp/workshop
